Aerocalifornia operations suspended

Mexican aviation officials have decided to suspend operations at Aerocalifornia after determining that the low-cost carrier failed to meet safety standards.

The airline has 90 days to meet standards or risk losing its operating licence. The government grounded the low-cost airline following a two-week review of the company’s operations, which discovered that the Aerocalifornia was cannibalising parts from decommissioned planes, among other safety concerns, according to AP.

"The problem has escalated to a higher category of deterioration,” said Gilberto Lopez, head of aviation for Mexico's Communications and Transport Ministry.

“Due to the conditions encountered, it wasn’t possible to guarantee the security of the company’s operations in a sustainable way,” Lopez reportedly said. As per the information available, if Aerocalifornia can’t correct most of the deficiencies and “reconstruct practically all of its system”, the government will start the process of revoking its operating licence, he said. Beyond the ongoing costs of maintaining its fleet, Lopez added that “it will require a big investment to restructure the airline.”

The airline offered flights to 22 Mexican cities and Los Angeles.

Aerocalifornia, based in La Paz, Baja California Sur, was one of several low-cost airlines to emerge in recent years, offering passengers cheaper alternatives to the country's dominant Aeromexico and Mexicana carriers, according to media.